Intestinal worms, also known as parasitic worms, are one of the main types of intestinal parasites. Common types of intestinal worms include:
- flatworms, which include tapeworms and flukes
- roundworms, which cause ascariasis, pinworm, and hookworm infections
Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding, and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.
Signs and symptoms:
- diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- gas/bloating
- feeling tired
- pale complexion
- the child is not eating properly
- unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- passing a worm in your stool
- dysentery, which is when an intestinal infection causes diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool
- rash or itching around the rectum
- Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding, and restlessness
- Often, they may cause no symptoms at all
When to see a doctor?
If you have tried a deworming treatment for your child at home and their symptoms have not improved, take them to a doctor. The doctor will examine your child and may want to do blood or stool tests. Also take your child to the health care provider if:
- they have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or low energy levels.
- your child passes a large worm
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/intestinal-parasites